A former member of Afghanistan’s security forces was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in the central province of Daikundi, local sources said Saturday, in the latest killing involving a former government soldier.
The victim, identified as Yaser Hussaini, was killed Thursday evening in the Alqan market area of Shahristan district, according to the sources.
Hussaini had served in the Afghan National Army before the collapse of the former government in 2021. After the Taliban’s return to power, he reportedly worked as a shopkeeper in the district.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, and the identity of the attackers has not been established.
Taliban have not commented on the incident.
The killing comes one day after local sources in Kapisa province, also in central Afghanistan, told Amu that the body of a former military officer, Hashmatullah, had been discovered under unclear circumstances.
According to the sources, Hashmatullah had served as a company commander in the former government’s 4th Brigade of the Silab Corps. They said his body showed signs of severe torture, though the cause of death has not been officially determined.
Taliban have not publicly commented on that case either.
The incidents come amid continuing concerns about the treatment and security of former members of Afghanistan’s military and security forces despite the Taliban’s announcement of a general amnesty following their return to power.
In its most recent quarterly report, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented human rights violations against former government officials and security personnel.
The mission reported at least 10 cases of extrajudicial killings, 21 arbitrary arrests and eight incidents of torture or ill-treatment involving former government officials and security force members during the reporting period.
Taliban have repeatedly rejected allegations of systematic retaliation against former security personnel, insisting that the amnesty remains in effect.
Human rights groups and UN officials, however, have continued to document cases of killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and abuse involving individuals linked to the former government.
The latest incidents are likely to add to concerns about the safety of former military personnel nearly five years after the Taliban returned to power.
